Valencia lost the relegation cracker against Getafe in La Liga on Monday. A late goal from Borja Mayoral plunged the team of basic customer Justin Kluivert and the debuting coach Rubén Baraja into mourning: 1-0.
Valencia had a great chance for the opening goal through Samuel Lino in the first half, but the winger could not outwit goalkeeper David Soria. On the other hand, Giorgi Mamardashvili kept his goal clean with headers from Domingos Duarte, among others.
The game seemed to be heading for a goalless draw, but just before time Mayoral put the ball in the net on behalf of Getafe. The former Real Madrid striker took advantage of a corner kick from disorder in Valencia’s defense. Francisco Pérez’s equalizer, on a pass from Kluivert, was ruled out for offside.
Valencia drops to the penultimate place in La Liga due to the fifth defeat in a row. The bottom three clubs are relegated directly at the end of the season.
Baraja faces tough task
Valencia has been waiting since November 10 for a victory in La Liga (one draw and seven defeats). Due to the disappointing results, trainer Gennaro Gattuso was fired at the end of January.
Two weeks later, Valencia appointed former midfielder Baraja as new coach. The 43-time Spanish international played for the two-time Champions League finalist from 2000 to 2010, winning two national titles and the UEFA Cup.
Baraja faces the tough task of saving Valencia from relegation. In the next two league matches, a turnaround does not seem imminent. Valencia then plays against number three Real Sociedad (February 25) and leader FC Barcelona (March 5).
Stand onder in La Liga
- 15. Real Valladolid 22-24 (-14)
- 16. Getafe 22-22 (-9)
- 17. Almería 22-22 (-13)
- 18. Cádiz 22-22 (-18)
- 19. Valencia 22-20 (-1)
- 20. Elche 22-9 (-30)
View the results, the position and the program in La Liga
